VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has backed in principle a new European Union mission to strengthen Lebanon’s security forces but has yet to decide whether to participate.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said a decision would depend on further assessment, including Malta’s constitutional neutrality obligations and available resources.

EU foreign ministers agreed on 11 October to establish the EU Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon), initially for three years. However, further discussions within the EU Foreign Affairs Council and operational planning are required before deployment.

The Ministry described the initiative as a peace effort focused on defensive training and non-lethal assistance.

The mission will have military and civilian components operating under a unified political mandate.

The military pillar will advise and train the Lebanese Armed Forces, focusing on border and maritime security, surveillance, intelligence, counter-smuggling and operational coordination.

The civilian component will support Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces through specialised training and advice, including in cybercrime and anti-smuggling operations. It will also help strengthen port security governance, including at the Port of Beirut.

Malta has previous experience in Lebanon through its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where a 10-member Armed Forces of Malta contingent served alongside Irish and Polish troops for several years.

UNIFIL is due to wind down by the end of this year following the expiry of its mandate.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the new mission reflected the bloc’s continued commitment to Lebanon’s future.

“With this new mission—a major update of our security ties—we continue to support the country’s institutions in restoring full sovereignty and building lasting stability for the Lebanese people,” she said.

No timeline has been announced for Malta’s decision on participation.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The dismissal that everyone expected following the defeats against Como (1-4 at the Sinigaglia in the Champions League) and Bournemouth (0-3 at home in the Premier League) has not materialized. Manchester United has decided to maintain its faith in Michael Carrick ahead of the upcoming matches against Chelsea and Roma. These two games could prove decisive for the manager’s future; in the meantime, according to BBC Sport, he held a clarifying meeting with Bruno Fernandes yesterday.

The Red Devils’ captain had criticized the manager’s tactical decisions following the match against Como and was subsequently left on the bench against Bournemouth. Now, following the apparent reconciliation with the manager, he is expected to return to the starting lineup for the clash at Stamford Bridge.

Along with the club, the fans also stand behind Carrick, choosing instead to direct their criticism toward the players. Regardless, the club is keeping its options open should a dismissal become necessary, with the BBC noting that Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the primary candidates being considered.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, has called for the formation of an international coalition to confront the Houthi terrorist militia, modeled after the global coalition against ISIS. She made this proposal in an article published in The New York Times, titled “There Is No Limit to What the Houthis Might Do.”

According to the diplomat, the militia poses a threat to regional security, global trade, and energy markets. Reema bint Bandar noted that since March 2016, the Houthis have launched more than a thousand ballistic missiles and drones against Saudi Arabia.

Attacks on the Kingdom’s energy infrastructure have contributed to driving the price of oil above $100 per barrel. The ambassador further pointed out that the group’s leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has spent two decades building a terrorist network with the support of Iran.

He remains in hiding in the mountains, communicating with his followers solely through videos. He has violated every peace agreement signed by the Houthis, using periods of truce to rearm in preparation for further attacks.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez has paid a heavy price for his team’s elimination from the Copa del Rey. Late last night, shortly after a defeat away to Sestao River—a side competing in the Segunda RFEF, the fourth tier of Spanish football—the Barcelona-based club officially announced the dismissal of the Galician coach.

The Catalan club noted that, “over the course of more than three seasons and 107 official matches, he left a significant mark, both on the pitch and in the day-to-day management of the squad.”

Things have also been difficult in the league, with Espanyol currently sitting third from the bottom, having earned just 8 points from 10 matches; however, the cup exit—a defeat in extra time—was clearly the final straw. On the day of the club’s 126th anniversary, and according to reports from ‘Mundo Deportivo’, Espanyol has appointed Sergio García—the current B-team coach—as interim manager.

García oversaw today’s training session and will lead the team in their upcoming away match against Villarreal. A former professional player, the 43-year-old García made over 200 appearances for Espanyol during his playing career.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNIS (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS) – Tunisia’s Assembly of the Representatives of the People has approved a draft law to legalise unauthorised agricultural wells, with 79 votes in favour, seven against and 10 abstentions.

The proposal aims to regulate the exploitation of groundwater resources, strengthen oversight of water extraction and support farmers.

It also seeks to enable farmers to access bank financing and investment incentives, helping ensure the continuity of agricultural activities and promote the development of production systems.

– Photo: Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Speaker of the House Carmelo Abela has called for greater burden-sharing among EU member states on migration during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Valletta.

Metsola made her first official visit to Abela at the Maltese parliament, where discussions covered European security, economic competitiveness, relations with Africa and the war in Ukraine.

Abela stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, democracy and the security and prosperity of EU citizens.

He also emphasised that EU enlargement should depend on tangible reforms and respect for European values.

On relations with Africa, Abela highlighted the need for partnerships based on sustainable investment, job creation and cooperation on migration.

He reiterated the importance of fair burden-sharing and collective responsibility among EU member states in addressing migration challenges.

Abela reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy, while highlighting the European Parliament’s role in ensuring democratic accountability.

He said EU policies should remain responsive to the needs and concerns of European citizens.

During the meeting, Abela also briefed Metsola on the work being carried out in the Maltese parliament and recent bilateral meetings he had attended.

Metsola concluded the meeting by inviting Abela to visit the European Parliament, underlining the importance of continued dialogue and closer cooperation between the two institutions.

– Photo Malta House of Representatives –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The Copa del Rey has been suspended. No matches will be played today, and tomorrow’s fixtures could also be postponed to a later date.

This is the decision taken by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) as a mark of mourning following this morning’s tragedy near Urda railway station, in Toledo, where two high-speed trains collided.

According to initial estimates, at least 39 people have died and hundreds have been injured.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – China is taking seriously Kylian Mbappé’s apology for remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong that sparked controversy in the country.

“We take the apology offered by the person concerned seriously,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a press briefing.

The French Real Madrid striker had said he was “sincerely sorry” for his “inappropriate remarks” about the Chinese leader.

The controversy had led to the termination of commercial agreements with some Chinese sponsors and the removal of content featuring him from social media platforms.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has undergone surgery in Qatar. The forward, who suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Champions League match against Barcelona, was operated on at Aspetar Hospital in Doha, Paris Saint-Germain announced.

The former Napoli player, who represents Georgia internationally, is expected to be sidelined for at least six months.

The Parisian club confirmed that the operation was successful and that the player “will immediately begin his rehabilitation programme”.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews